The Cruise Explorer

Cruises on eastern Canada’s Saint Lawrence River are quite limited at the moment, but a new group aims to change that. Cruise the Saint Lawrence, a non profit association with 25 members representing 9 ports of call, is marketing primarily to cruise lines, travel agents and media representatives. The group’s initial efforts are focused on creating the Cruise the Saint Lawrence brand; promoting the St Lawrence River as an untouched, unmatched, unforgettable destination; and, marketing a network of ports which boast a diversity of tourist experiences. Their key marketing points include: the Saint Lawrence River as a unique waterway with a complex ecosystem, glacier-carved landscapes, numerous parks, journey into history, remarkable cities, French-language culture, First Nations presence, ecotourism, captivating excursions and a tradition of hospitality.

The ports of call included in this promotion are:

• Québec
• Montréal
• Saguenay
• Trois-Rivières
• Baie-Comeau
• Havre-Saint-Pierre
• Sept-Îles
• Gaspésie
• the Iles de la Madeleine

This year, the busy “Fall Colours” cruise season on the Saint Lawrence River begins on September 9th with the arrival of the Queen Mary 2 at Québec. The Crystal Symphony is the last ship, leaving Québec on October 24th.